Europa League Winner's Unexpected Path to Champions League Glory

Europa League's Path to Champions League: A Rule Change Explained The 2014 UEFA rule change revolutionized the path to the Champions League, opening a new gateway through the Europa League. This change aimed to boost the Europa League's prestige and attract more top teams. This resulted in significant financial rewards for winning clubs and altered the dynamics of European football. For example, Tottenham Hotspur, despite a less successful domestic season, secured a Champions League spot by winning the Europa League in 2025. This win brought them a significant financial reward of £16 million, plus additional income from tickets and sponsorships. "It's a game-changer," said a football analyst, referring to the rule change's impact on smaller clubs. The rule change has also impacted the new Champions League format, eliminating the bottom teams from the competition. The new system has created both winners and losers. While some teams have benefited immensely, others have missed out on European competition altogether. This highlights the dramatic shift in European football's landscape, creating new opportunities and challenges for clubs across the continent.